‘Spanglish’ originated in the late 1960s, within the Latino community in the U.S. and it is generally positively regarded as a bicultural means of communicating that reflects the bicultural identity of Latino-Americans. Many academics believe that ‘Spanglish’ is just a bastardization of both languages.
However, one could argue that it is a new language that is evolving in order for Spanish and English-speakers to be able to communicate with each other. Isn’t that what language is all about? The goal of language is to communicate thoughts and ideas. As long as the speaker and the listener know the words being spoken then there is communication.
Of course there are other considerations besides the mere act of communicating. Some fear that it isolates Hispanics in America from the rest of the Hispanic world because they no longer speak the “pure” Spanish. ‘Spanglish’ also elicits disapproval from many, because it implies that a person is uneducated in their native language or that they are not honoring their ancestors or origin of birth.
Regardless of how we may feel about it, ‘Spanglish’ is a reality in America. It is used by millions of Hispanics, studied by scholars and taught in universities. There is even an official ‘Spanglish’ dictionary with over 300 words and phrases that aren’t exactly Spanish or English.
The majority of Hispanics are completely bilingual; talking to both Spanish and English-speakers on a regular basis. It seems only natural that the two languages they know are going to blend together occasionally. Moreover, throwing in a little ‘Spanglish’ is a great way to bring people who speak English into the conversation. Everyone can communicate a little with each other.
Not knowing another’s language creates a great divide among people. How can you connect with someone if you can’t communicate? We have so many other things that divide us for different reasons; why not bend the language a bit so we can connect?
Simply connecting through communication is what has driven my company for the last ten years. It is the basis of how we design our language learning programs. Not that we teach ‘Spanglish”, but our programs are created in a way that let people immediately communicate with each other. No worries about perfect grammar, perfect pronunciation or syntax; just learn what you need to facilitate communication. That’s it!
We provide programs that teach essential Spanish and programs that teach essential English. Our vision is that each person will learn a little, communication will occur and ultimately a connection will be made.
We hope to help build the bridge of communication that brings people together. ‘Spanglish’ seems to do the same thing in another way. Some Hispanics have developed their own manner of communication where everyone can be included in the conversation. In the big picture, the essence of humanity is connecting with other humans on some level. ‘Spanglish’ is just another way to do it.
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